Guardianship Representative

The Guardianship Representative is responsible for managing both the personal (of the person) and financial (of the estate) affairs of individuals under corporate guardianship, ensuring all actions comply with Wisconsin statutes, DHS 85 standards, and the best interests of each ward. This dual-role position requires balancing fiduciary responsibility with person-centered advocacy and support.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES (FUNCTIONS) include the following:

• Make or assist with decisions regarding medical care, finances, living arrangements, education, employment, and social services in alignment with the ward's best interests and known wishes.
• Advocate for and protect the rights, dignity, and preferences of each ward by participating in care planning meetings, ISP (Individual Service Plan) or team meetings, and collaborate with service providers, family, and care managers.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with service providers, social service agencies, funding sources, family members, court employees, etc. by ensuring timely responses to inquiries while overseeing the finances, care, and safety of each ward.
• Coordinate service authorizations with the ongoing care manager, monitor the appropriateness and thoroughness of clients' support services, and provide consents for the provision of services as needed.
• Acts as liaison with family members, clients, and other agencies in difficult situations by communicating and mediating differing perspectives as it relates to the clients' care and services.
• Responds to emergency situations requiring decisions related to care, necessary notifications, and final arrangements.
• Monitor the ward's health, safety, and well-being through monthly face-to-face visits and contact in their residence, day program or other settings.
• Assists with the completion and accuracy of annual and final accountings and inventories e-filing them with the respective county probate court as required by law.
• Adheres to due dates given by the courts specific to each county.
  • Rectifies any oversight of financial affairs of assigned wards, including conducting bank transactions, selling property, securing necessities for daily living, and making arrangements for contracted work (lawn care, snow removal, locksmith, clean-outs, etc.).
  • Collect and analyze complex financial data as well as maintenance of complex accounts and files.
  • Coordinates the listing and sale of any property with a realtor, as needed.
• Coordinates the removal/disposal of personal items in conjunction with the client's family, authorized individuals, realtor, or the Guardianship Manager.
• Ensure all debt obligations and benefit-related expenses are reconciled with client monies received.
• Completes WisPact Trust Applications and paperwork for establishing a funeral trust as needed.
• Conducts bank and court onsite business, as needed.
• Assist with transferring ward assets to the agency-designated bank by closing out existing bank accounts (including stopping any auto debits and withdrawals) and opening new bank accounts where direct deposits (pension, retirement, annuity, etc.) will be redirected, as required.
• Monitors bank accounts for Medicaid eligibility.
• Manage the ward's finances and assets in a prudent, ethical, and transparent manner.
• Develop and manage budgets for each ward, ensuring funds are used only for their benefit.
• Works to surrender life insurance benefits as required for Medicaid, as requested.
• Maintains timely, ongoing case notes for all wards, as well as maintaining updated demographics.
• Completes required legal documentation per state and county policies, which includes informing relevant individuals of status changes, and attending and testifying at court hearings for clients on their caseload.
• Communicate regularly with supervisor, case managers, service providers, families, and county officials.
• Serve as a professional representative of the agency in the community and at hearings or reviews.
• Maintain current knowledge of guardianship laws, ethics, and best practices.
• Completes statutorily required continuing education credits (minimum of 10 hours per year).
• Participates in assigned meetings, professional development, and training as required.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Acts as back-up for Guardianship Representatives in their absence or as needed.
• Assists with filing and file management.
• Performs other duties or functions, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, social welfare, or human service field required, OR an associate's degree in a human service, accounting, business, social service field OR equivalent experience.
• Experience working with vulnerable adults, persons with disabilities, or elderly populations.
• Strong organizational, communication, and ethical decision-making skills.
• Ability to manage a caseload and meet deadlines.
• Must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Travel throughout the community, based on residence/needs of clients in caseload, is required.
• Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Must have proof of insurance AND meet the requirements of the Employee Driving Policy.
• A Criminal Background Check must meet the requirements of the State of WI licensure for day programming.
• A Credit Check is required for this position.
• Accounts Receivable or accounting/bookkeeping experience preferred.
• Some experience in real estate, mortgage lending/processing preferred.
• Representative Payee a plus.

Specialized Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:

EQUIPMENT USED/MACHINERY REQUIRED TO OPERATE:

Includes, but is not limited to:

• Telephone
• Computer
• Copy Machine
• Fax Machine
• Operate a motor vehicle safely
• Durable Medical Equipment (as required)
• Calculator

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: